Preparing for a Mold Free Hurricane Season

At Mold Masters we pride ourselves on educating our customers. We want everyone to have a healthy and happy home. The one thing in the forefront of everyone’s mind, now that we are in to June, is preparing for hurricane season. The following steps will help you safeguard your home against storm damage, floods, and mold.

Prevent Water Intrusions:

Inspect Your Property: Before the hurricane season starts, thoroughly inspect your property. Identify any vulnerable areas where water could easily enter.

Seal Cracks and Gaps: Seal any cracks, gaps, or openings in your home’s structure to prevent water infiltration during heavy rains and storms.

Clear Gutters and Drains: Ensure that gutters, downspouts, and drains are clear of debris. Proper drainage helps prevent water from coming in to your home.

Elevate Electrical Systems: Elevate electrical systems and appliances to minimize flood damage. When a storm hits, unplug everything and move it up off the floor.

Manage Moisture and Humidity:

Use Dehumidifiers: Place dehumidifiers strategically throughout your home to reduce excess moisture. They are rated by square footage, so one or more may be needed to do the job. We recommend keeping humidity between 40-50%.

Remove Standing Water: Promptly remove any standing water to prevent mold growth. After building materials have been wet more than 24 hours, they are compromised, and mold will grow. If the water is “black water” all materials that came in contact with it must be removed. Outside of mold, black water brings bacteria, viruses, and other microbes with it.

Post-Hurricane Mold Assessment:

Inspect for Mold: After the hurricane, assess your property for signs of mold. Look for visible growth, musty odors, and water-damaged areas.

Do Not Use Fans: Never place a fan on an area that has been wet. If mold is present, the fan with cause the mold to circulate through the home. Run your dehumidifier to help dry things out until a licensed remediator can help you get your house back to normal.

The Remediation Process:

Be Patient: The restoration process can take time, depending on the extent of damage. It involves demolition, remediation, drying, ducting and vent sanitizing, fogging, etc.

Professional Assistance: If it is <10ft² of mold, you need to hire a professional that is licensed in water damage restoration and mold remediation. Do not trust a storm chaser who is not familiar with Florida’s laws and regulations.

Remember, proactive measures and swift action are crucial to minimize mold-related issues during hurricane season. Stay safe and protect your home!

Do you have concerns about preparing your home for hurricane season? Have you encountered hurricane damage? The Mold Masters Team is eager to speak with you! Please feel free to reach out to us at any of our locations: (904) 397-4030 in St Augustine, (813) 606-6668 in Dunedin, and (239) 961-9995 in Fort Myers.